It is safe to say that while our RMG industry has long been the engine of our economy, especially as it relates to export earnings, it is an industry that runs almost entirely on imported cotton. To that end, the news from Dinajpur - that farmers are increasingly turning to cotton cultivation - is an extremely encouraging sign that, beyond showing local success, also offers a glimpse that Bangladesh in the future could begin weaving from its own soil. With relatively low input costs and strong yields, the crop is proving attractive to farmers as a profitable alternative to rice and other staples. While food crops will always be necessary, cotton cultivation directly aligns with the needs of our largest export sector - this is a fact that should not be ignored. If we are successful, cotton can become not just profitable, but empowering for the future health of our country.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 08, 2026 10:55 UTC